Author
Topic: Second lens for first time FF user (Read 7339 times)

Bokatom

I've just ordered a Canon 5d classic and 50mm EF lens as a first try at full frame. I've no other compatible lenses and was wondering what I should buy next. I'm mostly interested in landscapes with some portrait work as well, and I wouldn't mind macro capability for flowers etc. I was looking to spend up to £300 for my next lens, or maybe £500 or a couple of lenses.

I suggest a 100 mm macro (The non L version) and a 28 F1.8 lens combo. The 24 mm is better but might be just out of reach from a cost perspective. Both of these used should be within your specified range.

I've just ordered a Canon 5d classic and 50mm EF lens as a first try at full frame. I've no other compatible lenses and was wondering what I should buy next. I'm mostly interested in landscapes with some portrait work as well, and I wouldn't mind macro capability for flowers etc. I was looking to spend up to £300 for my next lens, or maybe £500 or a couple of lenses.

What would your first choices be?

Thanks in advance

Do you want real macro for flowers or do you just mean you want to be able to do tight/close portraits of flowers? If the latter, and given your mention of portrait work generally, I'm inclined to suggest you blow your two-lens budget on one lens - a 135L (I've no idea what prices are like in the UK, but I paid about that for a used one in the US a few months ago), which is fantastic for portraits and focuses closely enough for the sort of flower shots you may have in mind; all the good things you've likely read about this lens are true, and while in some sense it may seem a somewhat irresponsible recommendation, that combination of that lens and a FF body can create results that are rather special. For a more responsible recommendation, a lens that's both versatile and very good, look for a used 24-105L or 70-200 L. Or add a couple of inexpensive primes such as 28 1.8 + 100 f/2 or 85 1.8.

Bokatom

I've just ordered a Canon 5d classic and 50mm EF lens as a first try at full frame. I've no other compatible lenses and was wondering what I should buy next. I'm mostly interested in landscapes with some portrait work as well, and I wouldn't mind macro capability for flowers etc. I was looking to spend up to £300 for my next lens, or maybe £500 or a couple of lenses.

What would your first choices be?

Thanks in advance

Do you want real macro for flowers or do you just mean you want to be able to do tight/close portraits of flowers? If the latter, and given your mention of portrait work generally, I'm inclined to suggest you blow your two-lens budget on one lens - a 135L (I've no idea what prices are like in the UK, but I paid about that for a used one in the US a few months ago), which is fantastic for portraits and focuses closely enough for the sort of flower shots you may have in mind; all the good things you've likely read about this lens are true, and while in some sense it may seem a somewhat irresponsible recommendation, that combination of that lens and a FF body can create results that are rather special. For a more responsible recommendation, a lens that's both versatile and very good, look for a used 24-105L or 70-200 L. Or add a couple of inexpensive primes such as 28 1.8 + 100 f/2 or 85 1.8.

Just close ups really, rather than ultra detailed macro shots. I'll look into the 135, that's a good portrait lens as well then?